Sex is a matter of self worth.

Though established church institutions and the ‘powers that be’ might prefer sex to be seen solely as a matter of fire and brimstone and invoking the wrath of God so as to inspire fear and forced purity, sex is actually much more intriguing than that. It’s not so scary but at the same time, it is so much more sobering because sex is a matter of mindset and the relationship you have with yourself.

Sex is God’s invention to be enjoyed between husband and wife, and it is holy because if you really think about it, it’s an act of divine creation. Humans, who were made in God’s image, unite to create another person that carries the nature of God. It is a divine exchange to create even more divinity, and to any follower of Jesus, this is not a joking matter.

We understand our bodies to be temples, sacred entities carrying the nature and presence of God. Just as the physical temple back in the day had the Holies of Holies, a place with a tangible sense of the presence of God, so are our bodies. Temples made of brick and stone can be torn down and destroyed, as was done in the past, yet God remains the same. Thus, our bodies too break down and disintegrate but our spirits live on. So how we treat sex depends on how sacred we view ourselves.

People don’t dress pigs with fine pearls (well, most people don’t). No fully reasoning human being would let just anyone have access to their most prized possession – a vintage car, a family heirloom, your children, or something as small as a credit card. Such a person would have to prove themselves trustworthy, with a deep sense of honour and integrity to come close to our precious things. Who you allow in is an image of the worth you have placed on your possession. It’s exactly the same with the body and flesh.

In the same way, not just any person of another gender can have access to this sacred fleshly temple. In fact, whoever does so has to make an unbreakable promise to remain faithful to this body for life. With this understanding of the sacredness of one’s body, the prospect of being with someone who is not committed in this way is kinda insulting to one’s self dignity. In fact, it would be better not to let anyone access at all than for a random uncommitted person to do so. This is why some people take vows of lifelong celibacy. (That’s not to say we don’t slip sometimes. The greater error is not to try at all).

Sex is a matter of self worth. It says a lot about how you view yourself and other humans. We are so much more than just animal matter.

Drink water from your own well—
    share your love only with your wife.
Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
    having sex with just anyone?
You should reserve it for yourselves.
    Never share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
    Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
    Let her breasts satisfy you always.
    May you always be captivated by her love.
Proverbs 5:15-19